Texas Civil Service Exam Writing and Grammar 4

Question 1

Which sentence uses a comma correctly with a coordinating conjunction?

Accepted Answer

The application was complete, but several documents were missing.

Answer

A comma is placed before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) joining two independent clauses.

Question 2

Which sentence avoids a comma splice?

Accepted Answer

The hearing was postponed because the witness failed to appear.

Answer

A comma splice joins two independent clauses with only a comma; adding a subordinating conjunction like 'because' corrects it.

Question 3

Select the correct plural form for the word 'memorandum' in a government context.

Accepted Answer

Memoranda

Answer

'Memoranda' is the traditional Latin plural of 'memorandum,' widely used in formal government writing.

Question 4

Which option correctly completes the sentence: 'Neither the director nor the managers _____ aware of the budget change.'

Accepted Answer

were

Answer

With 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the subject closest to it; 'managers' is plural, so 'were' is correct.

Question 5

In government correspondence, what does 'cc:' indicate at the bottom of a letter?

Accepted Answer

Carbon copy; other parties who received the letter

Answer

'cc:' stands for 'carbon copy' and lists additional recipients who received a copy of the correspondence.

Texas Civil Service Exam Practice Test